oh well

alternative dated oh, well

1. idiomaticAn expression of mild disappointment or resignation: too bad; it's a pity; what can you do; it is what it is.

   Oh well, I guess.

   5 more examples

   I didn’t know the store closes at five on Thursdays. Oh well, I’ll have to come back tomorrow.

   It was not until he heard a ring at the bell that he wondered how he should address her. Countess? That would seem like rubbing it in. Oh, well, it was n't really necessary to call people anything, if one used a little management.

   1912 July, Henry Kitchell Webster, “The Ingredients”, in The Atlantic Monthly. A Magazine of Literature, Science, Art, and Politics, volume CX, number 1, Boston, Mass.: Ticknor and Fields, […], →OCLC, page 21

   "Oh well, it can't be helped," returned Teal. "We'll get him yet. By the way, walk down to the lecture with me this afternoon?"

   1922 December, Harold Avery, “A Sixth Form Feud. A Public School Story.”, in The Boy’s Own Paper, volume XLV, part 2, London: "Boy's Own Paper" Office, […], →OCLC, chapter VII (Waylaid), page 125

   The meager X-ray facts are woefully inadequate and there is nothing upon modern roentgen-cardiography. And this book comes out of Boston where Holmes and George practice the art of roentgenology? Oh, well—Prophets without honor, etc.

   1924 November, “Physical Diagnosis by Richard C. Cabot, M.D., Professor of Medicine in Harvard University, Formerly Chief of the West Medical Service at the Massachusetts General Hospital. Eighth Edition, Revised and Enlarged with Six Plates and 279 Figures in the Text. New York, William Wood and Company, MDCCCCXXIII. Price, $5.00. [book review]”, in The Medical Herald and Physiotherapist: Incorporating The Medical Fortnightly & Laboratory News, St. Louis Clinique, General Practitioner and The Kansas City Medical Index-Lancet, volume XLIII, number 11, Kansas City, Mo.: Medical Herald Pub. Co., →OCLC, page 265, column 2

   I'll catch a tongue-thrashing, I warrant … Oh well, I guess I'll risk it. I'd feel unhappy all day if I didn't.

   1931, Edgar Caper, edited by Paul McPharlin, Lincoln and the Pig: […] (Puppet Plays; 2), Detroit, Mich., →OCLC, page 5

   Synonyms: ah well, alas